Pat Benton

With over 40 years at WMU, Pat Benton has a long history with the University.  Benton received a B.S. in Aviation Technology and Management from WMU in 1980, having obtained his FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic license the year prior. Benton served in the United States Army from 1968-70 and was awarded three commendation medals and a Presidential Unit Citation. As a student, Benton assisted professors, performing maintenance on lab equipment and WMU flight training aircraft from 1977-79. Benton was an undergraduate teaching assistant from 1979-80, and a graduate assistant from 1980-81. He served as a part time instructor from 1982-84 and performed advising duties, participated in research projects, and served as Sky Bronco faculty advisor. In 1991, after working for National Waterlift, he returned to WMU as an Assistant Professor in Engineering Technology at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. In 1993, Benton transitioned to the newly created WMU School of Aviation Sciences, which would eventually become the WMU College of Aviation, where he stayed until his retirement in 2017.  Benton earned a M.S. in manufacturing administration from WMU in 1991, and served the college, the University, and acted as advisor to countless students.